FIBERGLASS HANDRAIL & LADDER SYSTEMS

FIBERGLASS HANDRAIL & LADDER SYSTEMS

Fiberglass Handrail Systems SAFRAIL system in a chemical plant. Internal connections make circular handrail systems such as these possible around tanks. SAFRAIL fiberglass handrails are industrial/commercial railing systems for stair rails, platform/walkway handrails and guardrails. SAFRAIL systems are fabricated from pultruded fiberglass components produced by Strongwell and molded thermoplastic connectors. The railing systems are particularly well-suited to corrosive environments like those found in industrial, chemical and wastewater treatment plants as well as commercial structures with urban and salt air corrosion. SAFRAIL fiberglass handrail systems are: Corrosion resistant Easy to field fabricate Structurally strong Low in thermal conductivity High impact resistant Low electrical conductivity Lightweight SAFRAIL systems are the result of more than 20 years of experience in the manufacture, design and fabrication of fiberglass handrail systems. The systems offer the following advantages: Ease of Assembly SAFRAIL systems are produced in lightweight standard sections that include both post and rail. Systems can be prefabricated in large sections and shipped to the site or they can also be fabricated and installed on site with simple carpenter tools. Internal Connection System All connections fit flush, resulting in a pleasing, streamlined appearance. The internal connections allow the construction of continuous handrail systems around circular tanks without special fittings. Safety Features SAFRAIL systems come in a safety yellow color, feature low electrical conductivity for worker safety and exhibit high strength. Systems meet federal OSHA standards with a 2:1 factor of safety with a 6-foot maximum post spacing. SAFRAIL systems also comply with international standard AFNOR NF E 85-101. Low Maintenance Corrosion resistant fiberglass with molded-in color will outlast aluminum or steel systems with virtually no maintenance. Cost Effective Fiberglass components and easy-toassemble design provide savings on labor and maintenance, resulting in long-term savings and elimination of the cost and inconvenience of downtime for repairs in plant operations. SAFRAIL handrail is used on walkways and platforms for safe maintenancefree worker access. 2 Guardrail SAFRAIL systems can be used in guardrail applications where railing is needed to protect the open side of an elevated walkway. SAFRAIL systems meet OSHA requirements for a height of 42" from the top of walkway to the top of the guardrail. The OSHA loading requirement for both guardrail and handrail is a 200 pound concentrated load at any point or direction on the top rail. Other building codes may require different loading conditions.

Materials of Construction SAFRAIL is an engineered composite consisting of: Continuous glass fibers Two continuous strand glass mats A synthetic surfacing veil Fire-retardant polyester resin This unique combination provides the ultimate in strength, stiffness and long-term corrosion and UV protection. Square Post or Rail Section Properties.156" WALL 2" SQUARE A = 1.151 in. 2 S =.657 in. 3 I =.657 in. 4 E = 3.7 x 10 6 psi WT =.95 lbs./lin.ft. where E = Flexural modulus full strength R.145" Minimum Mechanical Properties for Pultruded Parts Properties Test Method Values Tensile Stress ASTM D638 30,000 psi Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 2.5 x 10 6 psi Compressive Stress ASTM D695 30,000 psi Compressive Modulus ASTM D695 2.5 x 10 6 psi Flexural Stress ASTM D790 30,000 psi Flexural Modulus ASTM D790 1.6 x 10 6 psi Shear Stress ASTM D2344 4,500 psi Density ASTM D792.060-.070 lbs./in 3 24 Hr. Water Absorption ASTM D570 0.6% max Coef. Thermal Expansion ASTM D696 4.4 x 10-6 in/in/ F (min.) Flexural Stress Full Section 36,000 psi (typical) Flexural Modulus Full Section 3.7 x 10 6 psi (typical) 3

Typical Square Handrail Construction Connection Details All components secured with epoxy. A Rail Splice 6" SQUARE PLUG STRAIGHT ADJUSTABLE CORNER ASSEMBLY ANGLE B End Post to Rail 4" SPLIT TUBE CONNECTOR 90 CORNER Alternative Post Design C Line Post to Rail 8"SPLIT TUBE CONNECTOR 4" SPLIT TUBE CONNECTOR 2 x.156" SQUARE HANDRAIL TUBE TOP & MID RAIL TOP & MID RAIL OPENINGS WILL BE ROUTERED OUT 45 CHAMFER TYPICAL ON TOP EDGE OF POST 1-3/4 1/8 x 1/2" SS POP RIVET (BOTH SIDES) 1/4 x 1/2" NYLON HAMMER DRIVE RIVET (2 REQ'D) 4" KICKPLATE 20 LENGTH TO BE DETERMINED D Stair Rail Return (2) ADJUSTABLE CORNER ASSEMBLIES 2-3/8 x 3/16" SQUARE HANDRAIL TUBE POST ADD PLUG AS REQUIRED 4

Suggested Square Post and Kick Plate Installation Posts with FRP Base Plate Fastening to Structural Steel or Fiberglass (1) 6" SQUARE PLUG (TYPICAL) to Post NYLON (2) RIVETS WELD (STEEL) CUT 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 4" ANGLE FROM 2 x 2 TUBE I BEAM WITH SPACERS PERPENDICULAR PLATE PARALLEL PLATE CHANNEL Corner Fastening to Concrete 6" PLUG 4" MIN 4" MIN Removable Posts 1/16" MAX CLEARANCE BETWEEN POST & SLEEVE 6" PLUG WELD NYLON (4) RIVETS Splice ANCHORED TO CONCRETE EMBEDDED IN CONCRETE STOP SLEEVE ON STRUCTURAL STEEL SLEEVE IN CONCRETE CUT (2) 3/4"x 3" STRIPS FROM 2 x 2 TUBE OR KICKPLATE Square Handrail Components Post or Rail Square Plug Split Tube Connector.156" WALL 2" SQUARE 1.68" SQUARE.14 WALL 1.70" 4.00" or 6.00".125" WALL.50" R.145" 1.01" THRU 6" also available. 90 o Corner Adjustable Corner Assembly Post Base End Cap (Mounted To Post) Note: For Capping Tubes (Special Construction) 2" CUBE 2.5" LEGS 1.68" SQUARE 4.9" 30 MIN. 1/4" PIN 1.68" SQUARE 4" 1" 4" 9/16" 6" 2" x 2" MOUNTED IN CENTER OF BASE PLATE.75" 2" 2" SQUARE 3/4" 1/8" 5

Round Handrail System The SAFRAIL round handrail system is a round fiberglass system that is ideal for any high traffic area where handrail is needed. The round rails are easy to grip and 90 o molded corners eliminate sharp edges. The handrail system meets OSHA strength requirements with a 2:1 factor of safety with a 5-foot maximum post spacing. The handrail system can be made to comply with ADA standards upon request. Internally bonded fiberglass connectors result in no visible rivets or metal parts. Rail and posts are 1.90 O.D. x 1.51 I.D. This is the same outside dimension as typical metal rails for ease of adapting to common metal brackets. s are available upon request. The SAFRAIL round handrail system is pultruded using either a vinyl ester or a polyester resin system. The handrail system includes a UV inhibitor for additional resistance to ultraviolet degradation and corrosion. Typical applications include: Food Processing Facilities Platforms & Walkways Heavy Industrial Plants Post or Rail Section Properties A = 1.05 in. 2 S =.405 in. 3 I =.385 in. 4 E = 4.5 x 10 6 psi WT =.86 lbs./lin. ft. where E = Flexural modulus full section Minimum Mechanical Properties for Pultruded Rail and Post: Properties Test Method Values Tensile Stress ASTM D638 30,000 psi Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 2.5 x 10 6 psi Compressive Stress ASTM D695 30,000 psi Compressive Modulus ASTM D695 2.5 x 10 6 psi Flexural Stress ASTM D790 30,000 psi Flexural Modulus ASTM D790 1.6 x 10 6 psi Shear Stress ASTM D2344 4,500 psi Density ASTM D792.060-.070 lbs./in. 3 24 Hr. Water Absorption ASTM D570 0.6% max Coefficient of Thermal Expansion ASTM D696 4.4 x 10-6 in./in./ F (min.) Flexural Stress Full Section 60,000 psi (typical) Flexural Modulus Full Section 4.5 x 10 6 psi (typical) 6

Typical Round Handrail Construction Connection Details All components secured with epoxy. A Rail Splice 1.5" x 8" B End Post to Rail 1.5" x 4" Split Tube 90 Corner C Line Post to Rail 1.5" x 8" Split Tube 1.5" x 4" D Stair Rail Return (2) Adj. Corner Assemblies Split Tube Straight Adjustable Corner Assembly Angle Intermediate Connector Intermediate Connector 7

Posts with FRP Base Plate Fastening to Structural Steel or Fiberglass 1.5 Tube Typical to Post Nylon (2) Rivets Cut 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 4" S.S. Bracket I BEAM WITH SPACERS PERPENDICULAR PLATE Fastening to Concrete Weld (Stl.) PARALLEL PLATE CHANNEL Removable Posts Angle From 2 x 2 Tube Corner Nylon (4) Rivets 4" Min. 4" Min. Weld 4" Min. Splice 1/4" BOLTS ANCHORED TO CONCRETE EMBEDDED IN CONCRETE SLEEVE ON STRUCTURAL STEEL SLEEVE IN CONCRETE Cut 3/4" x 3" Strips From 2 x 2 Tube Round Handrail Components Post or Rail Round Plug Split Tube Connector 1.9O"OD. 1.51"ID. 1.5"OD. 1"ID. 1.5"OD. 1.25"ID. 4.00" or 6.00".125" WALL.50" 6" also available. 90 o Corner Adjustable Corner Assembly Post Base End Cap (Mounted To Post) Note: For Capping Tubes (Special 2.5".75" 1.9" 5.7" 1.5" 8 1.5" 30 Min. 4" 3/4"

Handrail System Options Custom Handrail Systems SAFRAIL systems are designed to fit a wide variety of applications and, because they are standard systems, to be cost effective. However, custom handrail systems are available from Strongwell to suit special needs. Some examples of custom handrail from Strongwell include vertical pickets, two-color handrail, architectural handrail, heavy duty handrail and phenolic handrail systems. UV Coating Strongwell reccommends that an industrial grade polyurethane coating be applied to the finished handrail and/or ladder and cage for additional protection in outdoor applications. Standard SAFRAIL handrail systems are unpainted; the polyurethane UV coating must be requested when ordered. This custom half round top rail is used by Fairfield Inn hotels to reduce maintenance and provide long lasting good looks. Resin Systems A polyester resin system is standard for SAFRAIL handrail systems but other resin systems are available upon request. Colors SAFRAIL handrail and ladder systems are produced in a standard safety yellow color. Other colors are available upon request. Strongwell designed this vertical rail system to use less material and, in turn, be more cost effective than conventional horizontal aluminum or fiberglass handrail systems. A heavy duty handrail system that uses 2" x 1/4" EXTREN square tube built to ASTM F-1092-87 specifications is available for applications requiring added stiffness for less deflection under normal loading. 9

Fiberglass Ladders & Cages SAFRAIL fiberglass ladders and ladder cages mounted on the sides of tanks are a common sight in a wide range of industries. Fiberglass ladder and ladder cage systems have been in continuous use for more than 20 years in chemical plants and other corrosive environments. Even in complete immersion applications, fiberglass has outlasted aluminum and steel and required little or no maintenance. Sizes & Availability SAFRAIL ladders are fabricated in a standard 18" rung width configuration with 12" rung spacings. Various ladder lengths can be produced as practical. Standard SAFRAIL ladder and ladder cage systems are designed and fabricated to meet the requirements of OSHA 1910.27. Custom designed ladders and access cages can be fabricated upon request. Ladders can be shipped pre-assembled for installation in the field. Materials of Construction SAFRAIL ladders and ladder cage systems are produced in a premium grade polyester resin system with flame retardant and ultraviolet (UV) inhibitor additives. Standard side rails and cages are pigmented safety yellow. The rungs are a pultruded fiberglass polyester tube with a fluted non-skid surface. This fiberglass ladder and ladder cage provide worker access to a maintenance platform at a Ciba Geigy plant in the northeastern United States. High strength, maintenance free SAFRAIL fiberglass ladders and ladder cages are ideal for highly corrosive environments. Fiberglass access ladders are used throughout the service areas of Sea World, Orlando, FL to resist saltwater corrosion and reduce maintenance 10

Ladder Systems Part Identification Rung Detail End View of Rung NAME DESCRIPTION 1 Side Rail 2" x.156" sq.tube 2 Rung 1.25" dia. fluted tube 3 Top or Bottom Hoop 3" x 1/4" strip 4 Intermediate Hoop 2" x 1/4" strip 5 Cage Straps 2" x 3/16" strip 6 Standoff Bracket 5" bracket plate 7 Standoff Bracket 10-1/2" bracket plate 8 Base Angle 3" angle 9 End Plug Molded end cap Ladder Options Walk-Through Cage w/return Side Mount Cage Walk-Through w/return Floor Mount Wall Mount 11

Specifications SAFRAIL fiberglass handrail and ladder systems shall be fabricated from pultruded fiberglass components as produced by Strongwell. Cage hoops shall be produced by the open molded hand lay-up method. The pultruded parts shall be made with a fire retardant polyester resin which meets the ASTM E-84 test for flame spread of 25 or less and contains a UV inhibitor. The color shall be OSHA safety yellow. SAFRAIL Square Handrail The handrail system shall be designed to meet the configuration and loading requirements of OSHA 1910.23, with a minimum factor of safety on loading of 2.0. Materials The rails and posts shall be 2" x 2" x.156" square tube manufactured by the pultrusion process. The kickplate shall be 4" x 1/2" (corrugated) x.125" thick pultruded fiberglass shape. Installation and Mounting Post shall be constructed with a square pultruded bottom plug. Length shall be sufficient to extend a minimum of 1" beyond the uppermost bolt hole to prevent crushing of post tubing. Bolt holes shall provide clearance of 1/16" for 1/2" diameter bolts/studs. Holes shall be on longitudinal center line of post, 1" from bottom of post (minimum) and not less than 3" apart on center. Posts shall be fastened with stainless steel anchor bolts or studs, 1/2" diameter, extending no less than 2-1/4" into the concrete, or into a minimum thickness of 1/4" structural steel or pultruded fiberglass. Post locations shall be no greater than 18", nor less than 9" from horizontal or vertical change in handrail direction. Post centers shall be no greater than 72" apart on any straight run of rail, or 48" apart on any inclined rail section. Base mount, embedded, and removable are also types of mounting procedures for handrail. The fabricated handrail systems shall be supplied complete with fittings by the FRP manufacturer. The components used to join fabricated sections together may be shipped loose, to be epoxied and riveted together in the field by the contractor, per the manufacturer s recommendations. SAFRAIL Round Handrail The handrail shall be designed to meet the configuration and loading requirement of OSHA 1910.23 with a minimum factor of safety loading of 2.0. Materials The rails and posts shall be 1.90" OD x 1.51" ID round tube manufactured by the pultrusion process. The kickplate shall be 4" x 1/2" (corrugated) x.125" thick pultruded fiberglass shape. Installation and Mounting The post shall be constructed with a round pultruded bottom plug. Length shall be sufficient to extend a minimum of 2" beyond the uppermost support structure. Bolt holes shall provide clearance of 1/16" for 1/2" diameter bolts/studs. Holes shall be on longitudinal center line of post, 1" from bottom of post (minimum) and not less than 3" apart on center. The post shall be fastened with stainless steel anchor bolts or studs, 1/2" diameter, extending no less than 2-1/2" into the concrete, or into a minimum thickness of 1/4" structural steel or pultruded fiberglass. Post locations shall be no greater than 18", nor less than 9" from horizontal or vertical change in handrail direction. Post centers shall be no greater than 60" apart on any straight run of rail, or 48" apart on any inclined rail section. Base mount, embedded and removable are also types of mounting procedures for handrail. The fabricated handrail systems shall be supplied complete with fittings by the FRP manufacturer. The components used to join fabricated sections together shall be shipped loose, to be epoxied and riveted together in the field by the contractor, per the manufacturer s recommendations. SAFRAIL Ladders and Ladder Cages SAFRAIL fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) ladder and cage systems shall meet the requirements set forth in OSHA 1910.27. Ladders shall be shop assembled and may be pre-drilled and prepared for field attachments of standoff clips. Materials The side rails, rungs and cage straps shall be pultruded fiberglass reinforced components. The side rails shall be 2" square tube with a wall thickness of.156" or greater. The rungs shall be pultruded 1.25" diameter FRP fluted tube. Cage hoops shall be manufactured by the open mold hand lay-up process with a width of 3" and thickness of 1/4" minimum at the top and bottom and 2" x 1/4" at the intermediate hoops. The cage shall be interconnected with 2" x 3/16" pultruded straps spaced 9" on center around the hoop. BRISTOL DIVISION 400 Commonwealth Ave., P. O. Box 580, Bristol, VA 24203-0580 USA (276) 645-8000 Fax (276) 645-8132 www.strongwell.com ISO-9001 Certified Manufacturing Plants CHATFIELD DIVISION 1610 Highway 52 South, Chatfield, MN 55923-9799 USA (507) 867-3479 Fax (507) 867-4031 INT10M1004 Strongwell